Bet Type Guide

Bet Type GuideProp Betting Explained

Prop bets are wagers on specific events within a game that don\'t depend on the final score. Player props bet on individual stat lines; game props bet on specific game events. Props are the second-highest-volume bet type after spreads. This guide covers how they work, what alternative lines mean, and how to spot value.

By BettingInDC Editorial Team · Updated May 16, 2026 · Our methodology

Two main types of props

Player props

Bets on individual player stat performance. Common categories:

NFL: passing yards, passing TDs, rushing yards, receiving yards, receptions, anytime TD, first TD, longest reception, completions, interceptions.
NBA: points, assists, rebounds, threes made, blocks, steals, double-double, triple-double, points+rebounds+assists (PRA).
MLB: hits, total bases, home runs (anytime, first), RBIs, runs scored, strikeouts.
NHL: goals, points (goals + assists), shots on goal, blocks. Goalie props: saves, goals allowed, shutout.
Soccer: anytime goal scorer, first goal scorer, shots on target, fouls, cards.

Game props

Bets on specific game events:

First scoring play (touchdown, field goal, safety)
First team to score
Race to N points (e.g., first team to 10 points in NBA)
Longest TD pass or longest field goal
Total turnovers
Coin toss result (Super Bowl tradition)

Example: Jayden Daniels passing yards

Over 240.5 yards (-110) | Under 240.5 yards (-110)

If Daniels throws for 250 yards, the OVER wins. If he throws for 220 yards, the UNDER wins. Alternative lines extend in 5-yard increments: Over 220.5 (-200) for an easier line, Over 260.5 (+150) for a harder one.

Alternative lines

Most player props are available at multiple lines with corresponding price changes. Lower lines pay worse but hit more often; higher lines pay better but hit less often. FanDuel and DraftKings post the deepest alternative line menus for top stars. Alternative lines are especially useful for parlay construction because you can shape each leg\'s probability to fit a target combined hit rate.

Same Game Parlay using props

Most props are eligible for Same Game Parlay legs. Common SGP recipes:

NFL: team to win + QB over passing yards + WR anytime TD
NBA: spread + star scoring 25+ + total points over
MLB: moneyline + hitter to hit a home run + over total runs

The sportsbook applies correlation pricing: combining outcomes that are positively correlated (a team winning + their QB throwing for more) results in a parlay priced higher than uncorrelated multiplication. See our SGP guide.

Where to find prop value in DC

FanDuel: deepest alternative line menus on NFL, NBA, MLB stars.
DraftKings: best for combining props in SGP+ across multiple games.
BetMGM: deepest MLB player prop menu.
theScore Bet: best NHL player prop alternatives including half-shot lines.

Frequently asked questions

What is a prop bet?

A prop (short for "proposition") is a bet on a specific outcome within a game that doesn't directly depend on the final score. Player props bet on individual statistics (passing yards, points scored, anytime touchdown). Game props bet on specific game events (first scoring play, longest field goal, total turnovers).

How do alternative prop lines work?

Alternative lines let you move a prop line up or down in exchange for changed odds. Example: Jayden Daniels passing yards over 240.5 at -110 (standard line); over 220.5 at -200 (easier line, worse odds); over 260.5 at +160 (harder line, better odds). Alternative lines extend in 5-yard increments for NFL passing/rushing and in half-point increments for NBA and MLB props.

What happens to props if a player doesn't play?

In most US sports, a player prop bet is voided and refunded if the named player doesn't take the field/court/ice. Different sportsbooks handle this slightly differently (some require the player to record at least one stat for the bet to stand). NBA player props placed before inactive announcements are typically voided if the player is ruled out. NHL goalie props are voided if a different starter takes the net. Always check sportsbook house rules.

Have college player props been restricted?

Yes, to varying degrees. Following 2023-2024 concerns about prop-related harassment of college athletes, several DC sportsbooks (FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, Caesars) have voluntarily limited college player prop offerings. The remaining college props are typically only on top stars at premier programs, with no props on freshmen or low-minute reserves.

How are props priced?

Props are priced from historical performance, opponent matchup, pace, role on the team, and recent form. Sportsbooks adjust faster on heavily-bet props (star player markets) and slower on niche props (deep bench player markets). This makes deep prop markets occasionally inefficient and a target for sharp prop bettors.

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